A PhD in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineering is a doctoral-level research program focused on advanced innovation in thermal systems, cooling technologies, HVAC design, and energy-efficient climate control systems. The program emphasizes original research in areas such as advanced refrigeration cycles, heat transfer enhancement, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, low-GWP refrigerants, sustainable HVAC technologies, cold chain optimization, and smart building environmental control systems. Candidates typically investigate high-performance and low-energy cooling solutions, integration of renewable energy with HVAC systems, and AI/IoT-based intelligent climate regulation for buildings and industrial applications. The program involves advanced coursework in early stages followed by intensive independent research and a dissertation that contributes new scientific or engineering solutions to the field. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, R&D institutions, energy and environmental research organizations, and high-level technical roles in HVAC, refrigeration, and sustainable infrastructure industries.
NOTE: The university may have additional program-specific eligibility requirements. It is recommended to verify these on the official university website.
Extra Notes
1. Basic Qualifications
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
Both parents are non-Korean nationals, and the applicant holds foreign nationality.
A Korean national residing abroad or a foreign national who has completed their entire education abroad, where the education system is equivalent to Korea’s 12-year primary and secondary education and university curriculum.
2. Academic Qualifications
Master’s Program Applicants: Must hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification recognized as higher education.
Doctoral Program Applicants: Must hold a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification recognized as higher education.
※ Applicants who are expected to graduate by August 28, 2026, may also apply. Those who have not yet graduated at the time of application must submit a Certificate of Expected Graduation. The official degree certificate (or diploma) and final academic transcript must be submitted no later than August 28, 2026.
3. Language Requirement
(Must meet at least one of the following criteria)
Test
Eligibility Criteria
TOEFL iBT
68
TOEIC
600
NEW TEPS
279
IELTS
5.5
TOPIK
Level 3
Applicants from English-speaking countries (USA, UK, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland) are exempt from this requirement.
Language proficiency test scores must be valid as of the application deadline.
Applicants who receive a recommendation (Language Requirement Exemption) from their prospective supervisor at KMOU may apply without submitting a language proficiency test score.